Thursday, November 21, 2024

NorMin 2023: New chapters, calls for justice

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Northern Mindanao will always have a story to tell every year. In 2023, the region did not disappoint, bringing in a considerable amount of national attention

In particular, Misamis Occidental province had more of that this year.

The aftermath of the December 2022 shear line floods compelled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to visit the province and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental as well, in early January.

Marcos’ meetings with regional and local officials with Cabinet members have created long-term policies, especially in adding disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.

Since then, the provincial government has rolled out cash assistance in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for flood-affected residents.

Crime, deaths

Misamis Occidental also brought stories that call for justice – one being the death of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was killed while livestreaming inside his house in Calamba town on Nov. 5.

His death prompted a series of condemnations from media groups, public officials, and even Marcos himself.

Suspects were identified, and murder charges were filed.

The incident led Gov. Henry Oaminal to direct the provincial police and the Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to arrest the culprits and revisit the investigation of other assassination attempts.

These included the Oct. 15 blast in Clarin which hit his convoy; the Oct. 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones; and Oct. 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.

Almost a month after Jumalon’s murder, the province will again mourn the death of Riza Ramos Daniel, 49, who was killed in a blast inside the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 3.

Daniel was the mother of El Dritz, who was also injured in the blast, both of Tangub City. El Dritz was a third-year Computer Studies student at MSU-Main. Daniel decided to work in Marawi City to be closer to her son.

MSU-Marawi incident

The incident in MSU-Main brought the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Marawi City government together to coordinate with the police and military.

Within the week, the Islamic State militants claimed the attack, followed by the arrest of suspects Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who are said to have links with local terrorist group, Dawlah Islamiyah. Both had prior arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping charges.

Other than Daniel, the three other fatalities were students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante, and faculty member Evangeline Aromin. The blast also injured some 50 people.

Change of command, anti-insurgency

Meanwhile, this year saw major changes in the region’s military and police leadership.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II replaced Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in March. Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug also replaced Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director in October.

As soon the two assumed office, they had their hands full in continuing the mandates of the national government in securing the peace and order situation in the region.

The 4ID under Cuerpo continued its operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, and even on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade killed 10 rebels in Bukidnon.

Cuerpo said the Army has maintained its position of allowing NPA rebels to surrender or face a military operation, wherever they may be in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

PRO-10 also accepted rebel surrenderers who brought in firearms and ammunition. Those who surrendered were assisted in the programs of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On anti-drugs, Layug said the police has continued its anti-illegal drug campaign with a series of buy-busts in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

With the introduction of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PRO-10 followed suit in promoting a holistic approach to addressing illegal drug issues.

Village polls

Layug and Cuerpo would again have their hands full in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that were finally held on Oct. 30 after several years of delay.

Police and military troops were deployed to keep the peace.

While reports of vote buying by the local chapter of the National Citizens; Movement for Free Elections, and tensions among supporters in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, both PRO-10 and 4ID reported a “generally peaceful” BSKE.

On election gun ban operations, PRO-10 reported that from August 28 to October 30, a total of 77 operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of 90 persons, confiscation of 55 firearms, 41 deadly weapons, 367 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive.

But in Lanao del Sur province, which is part of the Bangsamoro Region, the BSKE was marred with heated confrontations among political supporters, voting delays in precincts, and occasional violence that led to a death in the town of Butig.

Rice, economy

The limited rice supply and increase in its prices prompted the national government to issue Executive Order 39, which put a ceiling on prices and provided assistance to affected farmers and small-scale retailers.

Bukidnon province, the region’s food basket, was also affected by drought that some had attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the country.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the lean months between August and September would be offset by the fresh harvests that came in October.

And so it did, as the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 10 released its monthly inflation reports and regional economic status in the following month, showing a rosy picture of the regional economy. The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 10 forecasts a stable overall economy for 2023.

Based on the 2022 gross regional domestic product, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao achieved a GRDP of 7.2 percent or PHP935 billion, compared to the 6.3 percent growth in the previous year, which was impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Anti-drug programs sa Damulog, Malitbog, Maramag giila

Giila ang anti-drugs programs sa mga munisipyo sa Damulog, Malitbog ug Maramag sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) bag-ohay lang

Sumala sa report sa Philippine News Agency, ang Damulog ug Malitbog nalakip sa 16 ka mga local government units sa Rehiyon 10 nga gipasidunggan. Kini gumikan sa ilang pagpatuman sa exemplary performance sa anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Sa panahon sa National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards sa Quezon City, ilang nadawat ang ‘national awardee” status.

Samtang ang Maramag, ang lakip sa laing tulo ka mga Munisipyo sa rehiyon nga gidayeg usab sa DILG. Giila ang ilang dedikasyon ug serbisyo sa paghatag og dekalidad nga Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) alang sa mga tawo nga migamit og drugas. (melbmadera)

City Government of Valencia, Bukidnon

The City Government of Valencia has received recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for securing 3rd place in the 2023 Regional Subaybayani

This acknowledgment reflects the LGU’s outstanding performance and adherence to promptly reporting project progress and details through the SubayBAYAN System.
SubayBAYAN is the official online monitoring system of the DILG, providing real-time information on the physical and financial status of Locally Funded Projects (LFPs).
Engr. Rodina Onting, the City Engineer, personally accepted the award on behalf of the City Government on November 9, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

SK mandatory training sa Bukidnon nagmalampuson

Malampusong napahigayon ang sunod-sunod nga hugna sa Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training 2023 sa Bukidnon

Base sa pahibalo sa LGU Bukidnon, ang training gipahigayon sa tagsa-tagsang Local Government Units (LGUs) ning Probinsya.

Ang pagbansay gipahigayon niadtong Nobyembre 8-13 ning tuig.

Napahigayon kini pinaagi sa PGO-Provincial Youth Development Office ug Bukidnon League of Local Youth Development Officers.

Ang training alayon sa gipagula nga Memorandum Circular No. 2023-156 sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) niadtong Oktubre 24, 2023.

Nagmando kini sa mga bag-ong napili nga SK Officials ug Local Development Council Members, isip pre-requisite ayha sila molingkod sa ilang mga katungdanan.

Ang mga midaog nga opisyal gitakda nga molingkod sa ilang pwesto karong umaabot Nobyembre 30 sa alas 12:00 sa udto. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

LGU Valencia runs 3rd in Regional Subaybayani 2023

The City Government of Valencia has received recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for securing 3rd place in the 2023 Regional Subaybayani

This acknowledgment reflects the LGU’s outstanding performance and adherence to promptly reporting project progress and details through the SubayBAYAN System.

The SubayBAYAN is the official online monitoring system of the DILG, providing real-time information on the physical and financial status of Locally Funded Projects (LFPs).

Engr. Rodina Onting, the City Engineer, personally accepted the award on behalf of the City Government on November 9, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. (LGU Valencia/PR)

BJMP celebrates 32nd year, honors top-performing NorMin bureau

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)–Serving for over three decades, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 celebrated its 32nd anniversary on a high note as the jail management received praises from its highest official for their achievements in the past year

The bureau attributes its growth to the dedication and commitment that the men and women of BJMP-10 displayed throughout the years and the kindness and concern that the community partners had extended.

Aside from that, the bureau never ceases to generate various ways and means to improve the delivery of services to their clientele to the best quality they can give.

Such initiatives bear fruits as BJMP 10 becomes one of the top-performing regions nationwide.

“I am speaking before a team of the most hardworking personnel in the country, who, together with their Regional Director, continue to strive to make BJMP Region 10 among the best-performing regions nationwide. The excellence in how you work in Region 10 has been a large part of the overall performance of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” BJMP Chief JDIR Ruel S. Rivera said.

BJMP-10 bags several national awards, which include Best Desk Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Paralegal Officer of Type-A Jail, Best Community Relations Service Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Management, Screening and Evaluation Committee Unit of Type-C Jail; Best Escorting Unit Type-C Jail; Best Paralegal Program Implementer; Best ALS Program Implementer; and Best e-Dalaw Program Implementer. In addition to that, Atty. Jeza Mae Sanchez received the National Award as Best Staff Officer of the Year.

The bureau chief also stated that Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government acknowledged BJMP-10’s excellent performance.

With the success and achievements gained, BJMP-10 Regional Director Cesar Langawin disclosed that they went through some challenges and would not have been able to reach them without the men and women of the bureau and the constant support of the various stakeholders and government agencies.

“BJMP-10 is committed to offering humane care, safety, and development. We will consistently work to create a positive influence in the lives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Furthermore, we ensure that programs for PDLs and their families should be properly implemented, reaching even the remotest jail facilities in the region,” Langawin said. (JAKA/PIA10)

DOT-10 conducts orientation on online accreditation for tourism-related enterprises

On July 14, 2023, the City of Malaybalay, under the leadership of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and through the City Tourism Office spearheaded by Ms. Honolu Marie C. Cruzin, partnered with the Department of Tourism Region 10 to conduct an orientation for Accreditation

This certification, issued by the Department, officially recognizes tourism enterprises that have complied with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services under RA 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009.

RA 9593 Section 14 c) mandates the enforcement of Mandatory Accreditation for primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises, in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards. Section 14 d) aims to establish a system of registration, information, linkage, and mutual assistance among accredited tourism enterprises to enhance the value of accreditation and improve the quality of service rendered by such enterprises.

According to RA 9593 Section 17 a), Regional Offices are responsible for implementing laws, policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations of the Department, particularly those relating to compliance and the accreditation of tourism enterprises promulgated by the Department.

In line with this, Memorandum Circular 2019-17 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterates the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. The circular indicates that primary tourism enterprises, including hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments, are required to secure accreditation from the DOT to obtain a license or permit to operate.

Mr. Ariel Gabriel Estrada, the Standards and Accreditations Officer of DOT-10, facilitated the orientation and highlighted the benefits and importance of Accreditation by DOT to the participants. In the afternoon session, he assisted the participants in submitting their requirements for the Online Accreditation Application.

The newly introduced Online Accreditation System offers a contactless transaction and hazard-free government service, aiming to expedite accreditation requests from local tourism establishments.

Through this streamlined system, local businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which collectively form the backbone of the tourism industry, will experience improved ease of doing business.

The orientation was well-attended, with a total of 80 participants. Councilor Royland M. Orquia, Committee Chairman on Tourism, warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to everyone present during the orientation. (LGU Malaybalay)

P28.5M SBDP, FALGU projects turned-over to Cabanglasan residents

CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon – Residents of Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing are already enjoying the P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU), after the conduct of simultaneous turnover ceremonies on May 4, 2023, in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

These infrastructure projects are four (4) water supply systems, three (3) health stations, and three (3) farm-to-market roads, which are priority projects identified by the barangay residents, during the conduct of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their localities.

In his testimonial message, Punong Barangay Ermin A. Tampus expressed his gratitude to the national government for being identified as one of the beneficiary barangays of these programs.

“Maski unsa pa na ka gamay o kadako nga proyekto ang moabot sa amoa gikan sa gobyerno, basta gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan, dako na gyud kaayo na og kausaban sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhian,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon, particularly the Provincial Engineering Office, strengthened their coordination to complete the projects.

With these milestones, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them.

“Karon itunol na namo kining kompleto nga proyekto ug kamo na ang gapanag-iya niini. Pasabot ani, naa na ang responsibilidad sa pag-amuma ani nga mga proyekto. Hinaot unta inyo ning ampingan arun molungtad pa ang proyekto sa dugay nga panahon,” Abadilla said.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish Ladesma, 403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office representative LtCol. Silvestre B. Asiong Jr. and Municipal Vice Mayor Reynante V. Inocando came to grace the ceremony. (DILG-10/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DILG turns over water supply system, other projects to Cabanglasan

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over some P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, as part of the government’s Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU)

The project locations are in Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing and involve four water supply systems, three health stations, and three farm-to-market roads.
The DILG explained that the barangay residents identified projects as top priorities during the conduct of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their respective localities.
DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them. (Chito Chavez/ Manila Bulletin)

Malaybalay City saved P57M by broadcasting online bidding sessions – Mayor Pabillaran

MALAYBALAY CITY – Live broadcast of online bidding sessions conducted by the bids and awards committee (BAC) as part of the “initiative for competitive bidding” enabled the local government to save P57 million, City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran said

”Transparency in the delivery of public service has been my utmost thrust. Every day I commit myself to give everyone a fair share of their taxes,” he said in his State of the City Address during the 25th Charter Day Celebration program on March 22 at the Folk Arts Theatre here.

Pabillaran cited that his first directive was to require the BAC to reach out to more eligible bidders in Malaybalay. All bidding sessions are now broadcast live via social media, he said.

”I firmly believe that transparency deters corruption. For corruption weakens the rule of law and erodes the confidence of our people in our government,” he added.

The mayor said the city government appropriated a total of P651 million for 253 infrastructure projects in 2022.

He said the projects included buildings, roads, bridges, water systems, flood control, electrification, and other infrastructures.

He noted that through the concerted effort of different offices and divisions, Malaybalay increased its Consolidated Gross Local Income to P221 million in 2022, “the highest” so far for the city.

Pabillaran highlighted the accomplishments so far of his administration’s SHIELD flagship programs and reported the savings under “Integrity in governance and public service”.

In his inaugural speech in June 2022, the mayor presented his six-point governance agenda dubbed “S.H.I.E.L.D.” or kalasag in Binukid. The acronym represents the thrusts of his administration: Safety, Health, Integrity in governance, Environment, Leading to agricultural eco-tourism, and Development in infrastructure.

Pabillaran started serving as mayor from March 2022, when, as vice mayor, he assumed the post by succession, following the death of Mayor Florencio T. Flores Jr. He won the mayoralty race in May 2022.

He called for cooperation in boosting the faith and wisdom of the people in governance and public service.

He said the city bagged last year the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government for its transparent, accountable, and timely financial reports.

Valencia City, Bukidnon’s other component city, and 15 of the province’s 20 towns also passed the evaluation for the seal.

Pabillaran also noted that the year-round one-stop-shop business registration also increased the number of establishments that registered thereby spurring economic activities after the pandemic.

Innovation in the assessment process by the City Assessor’s Office resulted in P55 million worth of real property tax in 2022, he said.

He thanked the city council for the live broadcast of its sessions and urged its members to build on the spirit of unity based on commonalities.

”We may have different approaches but our priorities do not need to contradict,” he added.

Malaybalay became a component city of Bukidnon through Republic Act No. 8490. It was Republic Act No. 8813 that declared March 22 as the Charter Day of the city.

The local government recognized the role of former Malaybalay mayor and 2nd District representative Reginaldo N. Tilanduca, who authored the conversion of Malaybalay into a city. During the Charter Day celebration on Wednesday, the city government awarded the late official a plaque, which was received by his sister Aida T. Solis. (MindaNews)